Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this *Easy Shrimp Florentine and Penne Pasta* recipe, a creamy and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes! Featuring tender penne pasta tossed with succulent shrimp, fresh baby spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, this meal delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. A touch of garlic and a splash of fresh lemon juice elevate the flavors, while red pepper flakes add optional heat for spice lovers. Perfect for busy evenings, this comforting pasta dish is easy to prepare yet elegant enough to impress guests. Serve it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, butter, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, then add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Calories |
3277 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 164.0 g | 210% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.9 g | 415% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1268 mg | 423% | |
| Sodium | 3550 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 257.7 g | 94% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.7 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 186.7 g | 373% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1157 mg | 89% | |
| Iron | 16.6 mg | 92% | |
| Potassium | 2359 mg | 50% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.